Aston Villa vs Peterborough United: predictions, TV schedule in cup clash
By Josh Tonti
Aston Villa host League One side Peterborough United in a third-round FA Cup clash on Saturday. The preeminent domestic cup in England is up for grabs as we preview and predict match results.
Ah, the good ole’ FA Cup. The world’s oldest football competition began in 1871 and kicks-off third-round action in this year’s rendition on Friday, January 5th, with a merseyside side derby between Everton and Liverpool.
Villa play on Saturday with the rest of the common folk. The opponent? League One’s Peterborough United, commonly referred to as The Posh. The club is managed by Grant McCann, a 37-year old Northern Irishman, and former club legend. McCann has them sitting fairly well, with a +6 goal differential through 26 league matches, good enough for 8th place.
They come to Villa Park under indifferent form with a victory over Bradford City, defeat to MK Dons, and a draw to Doncaster Rovers in their previous three matches.
Led by possible Villa target, Jack Marriott, and his 17 goals, The Posh offer a tough test for a probable Aston Villa “B” squad on Saturday. That is, if Peterborough don’t bring a “B” team of their own; instead, focusing its efforts on promotion to the second division.
Next: Is Jack Marriott checking-in to B6?
WHEN: Saturday, January 6, 2016; 10:00 a.m. EST / 3:00 p.m. GMT
WHERE: Villa Park, Birmingham
TV SCHEDULE: Not televised anywhere, audio available to AVTV subscribers.
PROJECTED ASTON VILLA XI (4-2-3-1/4-3-3): Steer; Bree, Elphick, Terry, Taylor; Doyle-Hayes, Onomah; Green, O’Hare, Bjarnason; Davis
SUBSTITUTES: Bunn, Suliman, De Laet, Whelan, Lansbury, Abdo, Hepburn-Murphy
Projecting this Villa lineup is a complete crap-shoot. There are a near infinite permutations manager Steve Bruce could call upon.
Some things look certain, however. Jed Steer will likely start between the posts. John Terry will start, according to Bruce, possibly partnering Tommy Elphick or Easah Suliman. André Green is confirmed as playing, while Josh Onomah and Henri Lansbury could make their respective returns to central midfield.
Below, we offer predictions for the FA Cup third-round clash:
PREDICTIONS:
Josh Tonti, 2-1 Aston Villa victory.
"“I think this match is going to be far tighter than expected. Though it makes sense for Posh to rest some starters, they face potential poaching of their top players, and may want to run them out on Saturday regardless. Still, the Villa advance 2-1. Keinan Davis and Birkir Bjarnason to score.”"
Jonathan Northall, 3-1 Aston Villa victory.
"“A uncomfortably tight match against lower league opposition. Bruce’s priority is promotion and his weakened team selection will evidence this. Peterborough’s plucky performance will finally lead to tiredness and Villa take the game 3-1. Keinan Davis, Conor Hourihane, and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy to score for the home side.”"
Angus Boyle, 2-0 Aston Villa victory.
"“Despite the Posh being a high scoring team, the confidence around the squad. along with the youth players wanting to impress will see Villa win. 2-0 victory with Keinan Davis and André Green to score on his return.”"
Jack Nason, 1-0 Aston Villa victory.
"“Options are beginning to flood back for Steve Bruce and Villa, but despite any number of changes, Villa should be too much for The Posh. RHM to play a role and score the only goal of the game.”"
Dean Caffrey, 3-1 Aston Villa victory.
"“Villa to start well and score 2 in the first-half through Green and Callum O’Hare. Peterborough to grab one goal, but Villa score a third through Scott Hogan to advance. 3-1 win."
Joel Rawlin, 3-0 Aston Villa victory.
"“Even with the changes to the starting 11, Villa should go into the game full of confidence following recent results. The fringe and youth players will be looking to impress Bruce as will those returning from injury. Think it’ll be a open game with Posh really going for it, but Villa should have enough to see them off comfortably. 3-0 Villa, Hepburn-Murphy, Green and Bjarnason to score.”"
The 32 third-round proper ties will claim 32 winners into the fourth-round. Should the match end in a draw, the replay will take place at Posh’s ABAX Stadium.